Mission

The User Oriented Design Lab is a diverse team of researchers, product designers and environmental designers. We study how environments and objects that respect traditional culture and everyday life should be planned and designed.

We use social and urban research methods such as observation, questionnaires, surveys and interviews to understand the cultures and everyday life patterns of the users. We employ participatory methods such as, photovoice, visual stimulation and simulations modelling that enable users to voice their needs and preferences regarding the objects and  environments of their everyday life.

We stress the importance of taking a multi-disciplinary approach in our research and our lab is supported by a diverse range of professionals. We work with product designers, space planners, architects, landscape architects, sociologists and social workers in order to develop a holistic perspective.

Hong Kong is very closely networked to China economically, socially and culturally. As a research body examining urban living environments, we must determine how traditional Chinese culture continues to serve as a basic framework for the life of people in modern Chinese cities. Our research focuses on contemporary urban life in China south of the Yangzi River.

Aims and Objectives

• To test methods of research with respect to Chinese users (including Hong Kong users)
• To study the everyday life patterns of the users
• To study how the users interact with their environment and use everyday life objects
• To study the community/social culture of the users
• To re-interpret Chinese traditional culture into contemporary forms
• To explore the Chinese market for contemporary design

Tel: (852) 2766 5456

Email: sd.uodl@polyu.edu.hk

Contact Person: Jackie Y.C. Kwok